Ate a chopstick

[aweitzm1]

So I came home today to see tiny pieces of a wooden chopstick that fell to the floor? It looks like Boomer or Thumper chewed/ate most of it.

They seem to be fine and ate a normal dinner. They have not pooped yet. Is there anything I should be worried about? I am not sure if this is something I should be rushing them to the Vet for? They are acting normal to me. When I touch their stomachs they do not seem to be in any pain. They are resting now next to me.

[ladyjane]

Personally, I would be concerned. I hate to say don't worry and then something happens.....and I hate to say it will be ok. Splinters can cause tears. Objects can also cause obstructions.
I would say call your local EC, but unless you have a relationship with them, they probably won't give advice on this one over the phone.
Ideally, I think they both should be xray'd.
Hope all is ok....

[matese]

I would get them to a ER clinic. Like ladyjane advised, this can cause splinters, can rip / tear intestines, stomach or rectum when they have a bowel movement.

[Maximo]

I agree with Ladyjane. This is a situation that could go either way depending on how large the pieces were that were swallowed, and how sharp. I would opt for the x-rays and doctor's advice.

My Teddy swallowed a 1.5 inch piece of Texas Toothpick digestible bone (the bone inside is like a chopstick) once without me knowing. He was fine for a few hours and we went on our walk. Then he threw up. The bone piece came out okay, but Teddy passed out limp in my arms, eyes rolled back in his head. I thought we were losing him.

Praying everything turns out okay for your babies.

[Cherie6446]

Go to the vet for X-rays. One member's baby died after ingesting a tiny turkey bone after days of agony for the little girl and her owner. Also, one member had their little one eat a toothpick. Don't remember what happened. Be safe, not sorry.

[aweitzm1]

Thanks all for the advice. I did a little research and they only ate one chopstick not both. I didn't take them for an x-ray yet. I decided to watch them and see how they acted.


They have acted normal since the incident. Both have been playing and eating. They have even pooped twice since the accident. If I see any change in their behavior I will take them to the Vet.

[matese]

It could be too late by then, did you mush up their poop to see if there was any splinters in it. If it were me, I would have those dogs x-rayed splinters of wood tear,rip intestines, stomach lining, rectum, even if they did not pass anything does not mean they are still not inside their digestive system. All we can do is advise you on what would be the best and safe thing to do, it is still up to you. Your dogs, your call. I pray these guys are ok.

[ladyjane]

I don't know what "research" you did but I also don't know what the difference is between 1 and 2 chopsticks.

I am happy to hear that all is well so far, but again, I highly recommend that you contact your vet. If you have a regular vet, he/she should be happy to talk with you about this over the phone. My guess is they would encourage you to come in. I personally would not need encouragement....I would be there. Actually would have been at the EC yesterday. I would rather spend money on xrays than end up with a very sick pup OR a dead one who has just bled out. I remember one night in the EC a family came in with a beagle who had ingested part of a plastic water bottle...it tore him up and he bled out and died.

It always boggles my mind when people come here with questions and then, when every single reply suggests a vet, the advice is not followed. It's as if someone is looking for validation that what they are doing is right....so they don't like our advice and look elsewhere. Sadly, many of us have seen people lose their yorkies for just this very reason. Not trying to be harsh....just telling you the truth. Not one person posted here suggesting you wait. Waiting could be deadly. While your pups might be just fine, there is a possibility they are not. In my mind it is like playing Russian Roulette with pups.

"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."

[Wylie's Mom]

How are these pups today? I sure hope they're okay...

It is indeed true that "waiting could be deadly"....

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by Wylie's Mom

How are these pups today? I sure hope they're okay...

It is indeed true that "waiting could be deadly"....

She said they are ok, and I do hope that continues over the next couple of days. One overnight would not be long enough to be home free...scary.

[aweitzm1]

Originally Posted by Wylie's Mom

How are these pups today? I sure hope they're okay...

It is indeed true that "waiting could be deadly"....

They are doing great no blood in stool, playing, eating, and drinking as normal.


I do appreciate everyone's advice I am not trying to be rude or insincere. However, I need to decide what I feel is best. After seeking advice from not only here but family members who are more experienced than I am in owning dogs I decided to wait to see how they were since they have been acting normal.


Right now they are fine and I have seen no ill effects from the incident.

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by aweitzm1

They are doing great no blood in stool, playing, eating, and drinking as normal.


I do appreciate everyone's advice I am not trying to be rude or insincere. However, I need to decide what I feel is best. After seeking advice from not only here but family members who are more experienced than I am in owning dogs I decided to wait to see how they were since they have been acting normal.


Right now they are fine and I have seen no ill effects from the incident.

I am not being rude either. I think you are gambling and it is a dangerous thing to do with your pups' lives. You chose to ignore our advice and took the advice of family members. You say they have more experience....you don't even know how much each of us who posted have. If you came back and said you called your vet and he/she said to watch...I might be surprised ... but certainly less horrified than to hear you chose a lay person who agreed with what you wanted to do. I am left to think that you expected us to tell you not to worry and when we didn't, you went elsewhere... family.

If you don't have a regular vet for your pups, I suggest you get one. They should at the very least, be seen once/year; and most vets after you establish a relationship with them, will advise you in times like this.

No blood in stool is good, but there could still be problems...these things don't always happen immediately. They still could have tears if this wood stuff is moving slowly .. and they could have obstructions.

Nine chances out of ten things will go well.....but that one time would be horrifying and I am sure you would look back and want to kick yourself. I am not willing to gamble like that and am only trying to let you and anyone who reads this know it is a dangerous thing to do.

Wishing your pups well.

[ladyjane]

Oh my goodness....you have insurance??
I just saw a thread that you started recently....you could have used that! They would not deny a claim like that!